Heart of The Tree

Chapter 28

Mama Saviloni stepped forward. “I’m so glad you could make it, Alisha. I know it was at short notice, but things are happening faster than I had anticipated.”

“That’s okay, Mama. I hope you don’t mind that I’ve invited Kirstie Aster to join us.”

Mama raised her eyebrows, but she didn’t question Alisha’s judgement. Mama knew that Kirstie’s mother had been involved with Aunt Cynthia’s becoming the last Heart, and Alisha hoped that that would satisfy Mama.

“No, no problems. I didn’t want tonight to get too big, but I’m happy to have you both here.”

Alisha glanced around the small function room at the back of The Cricketer’s Arms. She had been just about to cancel a booking for the private room at The Nacho Nirvana when Ryan Klenston had offered to host the meeting. Besides Ryan, Mama and Kirstie, Scott Landeau, Brian Freidman, the greengrocer, Paul Hennsley, the caravan park owner, and Peter McCann from the council were also present.

“You’re one of the last people I expected to see here, Paul,” Alisha said.

The bearded caravan park owner laughed. “Because I’m supposed to be so sensible and logical, and I’m not supposed to believe in something romantic and illogical like the legend of The Lover’s Tree? For the record, I have sound financial grounds for being here. The Tree brings in ten to fifteen percent of my business, so it makes sense for me to work to save it.” He winked. “I also want to see my little girl married under The Tree. I’ve got a budget of five percent romance per year, and I’ve decided I’m using it now.”

Mama smiled. “Paul doesn’t like people knowing that he’s another one of those that truly loves.”

“Ah… Mama!”

Mama patted him on the arm and then stepped back. “Excuse me, everyone, but I think we need to make a start. We’re all busy people, so I appreciate you coming tonight. We’ve got a couple more people still to come, but I think we can start without them.” Mama waited for everyone to settle down.

“As you all know, we’ve got a public meeting scheduled for next week, but the council has already signed a contract to have The Tree cut down, so next Wednesday may be too late.”

Brian got in before anyone else. “WHAT?” Brian turned to Peter. “What does the council think it’s doing?”

Peter held up his hands to fend off the angry glares. “I know, I know. I let Mama know as soon as I heard. After the council vote, John Young got onto the administration and has been hammering for this to be done at breakneck speed. Someone with sympathies for our position dropped me an email to fill me in. I don’t know what Keith Tyler’s doing, getting involved in this matter, but we all know what a stickler he is for efficiency. He won the contract and I think we have to expect him to move fast.”

“Keith? The little ba…” Paul stopped when he saw Mama’s stern stare. “That’s it for me — I’m boycotting Mourton Wineries until he comes to his senses.”

“That’s all very well, but we need to be ready to delay things until we can organise a full protest,” Alisha said. She looked at Mama. “How is that petition coming along?”

“Good, but the council is free to ignore it if they want to. That’s right, isn’t it, Peter?”

“Yes, though I’m hoping it’ll put some pressure on a few of the members to change their vote. I’m trying to set up another extraordinary meeting to reverse the decision, but John Young is putting up a lot of interference. I’d love to know why.” Peter McCann frowned.

Paul raised his hand. “I think I can answer that one. My daughter’s best friends with his niece. From what I’ve overheard them saying, John believes there isn’t going to be another Heart, and he doesn’t want to risk anyone getting hurt when The Tree finally dies. He seems to feel strongly about it.”

Kirstie sniffed. “I don’t think it’s that simple. Susie thought she was going to be the next Heart and when it turned out she’s not, she seems to have gone out of her way to make sure no one else can have the position. As if it was something desirable!”

“Sorry, we’re late.”

Mama smiled. “We’ve only just started. Come in, Leo, Craig, and take a seat.”

Brian stared as Craig Patterson and Leo McKaylee entered the room. “Why are they here?” He quickly added, “Not that there’s a problem, but they haven’t really fitted into the town. Uh… what I mean is…”

Mama crossed her arms. “Have you finished digging a hole for yourself, Brian?”

Brian grinned. “I think so, Mama.” He stood up and held out a hand to the newcomers. “G’day. I’m guessing you’re here to offer legal advice.”

Leo and Craig shook Brian’s hand and sat down. “That’s right. Mama asked us if we’d mind coming along to help with that side of things,” Craig said.

Ryan spoke up. “No offense, but wouldn’t Ian have been a better choice? He knows this town a lot better than you two.”

Mama coughed to attract everyone’s attention. “I spoke to Ian, and he’s been retained by the council to deal with any matters to do with The Tree. As a result, he’s unable to participate in any action that is opposed to the council — he called it an unconscionable conflict of interest. He recommended Craig and Leo, and said that he suspects that they’ll be able to do an even better job than he could.”

“Have we missed anything?” Leo asked.

“Not really. We were just discussing possible motives behind the council’s action, and not really getting anywhere. Now, on to business.”

The next forty minutes were spent discussing various strategies and options. Leo and Craig indicated that they had a number of ways of delaying things, but they couldn’t stop the council. All they could do was to make sure that the council dotted every ‘i’ and crossed every ‘t’ before The Tree was cut down.

“If all we can do is delay, then what’s the point?” Scott Landeau asked. “I want The Tree to survive as much as the next person, but if its destruction is inevitable, then are we just wasting our time?”

“No.” Peter McCann was firm. “We have the ability to get the council vote reversed, but that will take time. Delays are welcome because time isn’t on our side.” He sighed. “I just hope the new Heart shows up soon, because the longer she’s missing, the less likely we’ll be able to convince the other councillors that The Tree can be saved.”

Alisha saw Craig and Leo glance at Scott, and then start whispering furiously. The two lawyers appeared to be having an argument.

“The new Heart will show up when they can. We just have to be patient,” Alisha said. “It’s been just over three months since The Tree started to die. Kirstie, do you know how long it was from when The Tree got sick last time until my mother’s wedding?”

“From what my mother told me, it was around six months. The Tree isn’t healthy, but it’s a long way from being dead.”

“But people would’ve been able to see Aunt Cynthia and Andrew Boyle’s romance. If they had known about the legend, they would’ve taken hope. There’s no sign of the new Heart at all! That’s what’s got people despairing,” Ryan Klenston said.

“I think we can do something about that,” Craig said. He stood up and moved away from a disgruntled Leo.

“What have you been arguing about?” Mama asked Craig. “Leo doesn’t look happy, which is not a good look on him.”

Craig glanced at Leo and pulled a face. “We’ve been discussing ethics and morals. I’m on very shaky ground here — Leo thinks too shaky — but there are some things I think I can share.”

“Ethics and morals? What the heck are you talking about?” Brian asked.

“Professional ethics and personal morals. The ethics part is easy — I just won’t go into any details. A few months ago, someone came to see us regarding a legal issue. I can’t say what it was about, but we believe it is okay to say that it was on behalf of the new Heart.”

“So there is a new Heart!” Peter smiled. “I knew it.”

Craig nodded. “We weren’t told who it is, but we believe we’ve worked it out. The morals part of the dilemma is whether we should say what we believe.” He took a deep breath. “You see, we think the new Heart is around, and their romance is visible, but people aren’t recognising what they’re seeing.”

“Who is it?” Peter asked.

“We may have it wrong, and Leo thinks I shouldn’t say anything, but the news is going to get out sooner or later.”

“Stop procrastinating and just tell us,” Peter said.

Craig looked around the room. “The information we were given is that the new Heart isn’t a girl. It’s a guy — a gay guy. That’s why we were approached for advice.” In the stunned silence that followed, he looked over at Scott Landeau. “There’s a gay romance that’s been the talk of the town for the last two months. It seems obvious to us who the new Heart is — Alex Landeau.”

Scott’s mouth dropped open. “Alex?” he whispered.

“A poof? A bloody poof?” Brian blanched at the glare from Mama Saviloni. “I’m sorry, Mama, but I’m not sure I want to put in my time and effort on behalf of some homosexual. I was expecting it be a local girl.”

Kirstie strode over and peered down at Brian. Her anger was obvious to everyone in the room. “A local girl? You’re that cruel, are you, that you want some innocent girl to go through that pain? Have you any idea what being The Heart is all about? It means despairing of love so much that it’s killing you. Wondering, day to day, whether life is worth going on. I’m not surprised a gay guy is in that much pain, after comments like yours. What do you think is killing The Tree? A small broken heart? Someone whose beau has stopped seeing them? Try someone who is wondering if anyone will love them after it’s found out they’re gay. Someone who wonders if they’ll have friends and family when people learn. It goes a lot deeper than just looking for someone to spend their life with — they’ve been wondering if they’ll ever have anyone in their life, let alone someone to share the rest of their life with.”

She pushed her face down until she was almost nose-to-nose with Brian, and spoke intensely. “Being The Heart has, hopefully, a great reward at the end, but the price they have to pay before they get there…” Kirstie straightened and shook her head. “My mother told me what Aunt Cynthia went through before she met Andrew. I wouldn’t want to wish that on anyone.”

She gave Brian a final glare. “You find someone that’s been pushed to the brink of suicide, and tell me that they’re the new Heart. Unless you do that, I won’t be willing to believe it’s them.”

Brian gulped. Alisha stepped over and gave Kirstie a hug.

Kirstie pulled out a handkerchief and wiped her eyes. “Sorry, Mama. I didn’t mean to disrupt the meeting.”

Mama was still trying to absorb the news and Kirstie’s speech, but she recovered quickly. “That’s okay, Kirstie. Why don’t we all take a break and meet back here in fifteen minutes?”

It was quickly agreed. Most of the group headed out to the main bar where Ryan started to make teas and coffees. Scott hung back until he was alone with Kirstie and Alisha.

“Kirstie? Can I have a word?” He glanced at Alisha.

Kirstie grabbed Alisha by the arm to prevent her from leaving. “It’s okay, Scott. I’d like Alisha to be here, if you don’t mind.”

Scott glanced nervously at the door before lowering his voice. “About what you said. I don’t think all of that applies to Alex. He knows he has our love, and he’s known that since he came out to my wife and me a couple of years ago. He doesn’t have that despair you spoke about. I think Leo and Craig have it wrong. It can’t be Alex.”

“You’re right, it’s not Alex, but otherwise, they’re right.” Kirstie smiled.

Scott’s forehead wrinkled. “If it’s not Alex, but another gay guy, then…” His eyes opened wide. His gaze flicked over at Alisha.

Kirstie nodded. “That’s why Alisha invited me here. She knows, too. I’ve got a personal interest in what’s going on, but we’re not ready to tell anyone. Soon, but not now.”

* * *

That night, after getting home from the meeting, Scott knocked on Alex’s door. “Can I come in?”

“Just a sec.” There was the noise of some things being moved before Alex opened the door. “What is it, Dad?”

Scott pulled Alex into a hug. “I’m just so happy that you’re who you are.”

Alex’s hug back was awkward. “Uh… thanks.”

Scott let go. “There were some interesting things said at the meeting tonight. The main one you need to know is that most people there are convinced that you’re the new Heart.”

Alex’s eyes opened wide. “It’s not me!”

Scott smiled. “I know. Kirstie Aster told me the truth, and that you already know. We were told that the new Heart is a gay guy, and the obvious conclusion was that it’s you. They don’t know about Vince.”

“I wasn’t keeping it from you, honest. It’s just it wasn’t for me to say anything.” Alex’s words tumbled over themselves as he tried to explain himself.

“That’s okay. I understand. After what I was told, I’m glad it’s not you. Vince must’ve gone through hell before he found Matt.”

Alex ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah, I know. He and I have spoken a bit about it, but not a lot. I’m really glad he’s hooked up with Matt. As for being The Heart — I’m more than happy just to have Jamie.” Alex grinned.

“He’s a nice guy. Your mum and I have been really impressed by him. Back to the meeting, though. What do you want to do? Kirstie said that Vince isn’t ready for people to know about him. That’s going to leave people looking at you as the new Heart.”

Alex frowned. “I don’t know. Can we talk about this in the morning? I want to think it over.”

“Sure. If you think you’d like to make yourself scarce for a bit, why don’t you take the weekend off and go see Jamie? It’ll give you more time to think things over and you can talk with Jamie and Vince about it, too.”

“I could do that over the phone, but thanks.” Alex gave his dad a sheepish grin. “Jamie invited me to a party in Dubbo tomorrow night but I had to tell him I couldn’t go. If you don’t mind, I’ll take you up on that and head off tomorrow afternoon and come back Sunday night.”

“I meant what I said, so that sounds fine.” Scott paused in the act of standing up. “What sort of party?”

Alex didn’t meet his dad’s gaze. “Uh… guys only. Umm… gay guys only.”

* * *

“Enough!” Matt narrowed his eyes at his nervous boyfriend. “We’re not meeting up with them until tomorrow.”

They were in the living room of the house. Vince had been interrogating Matt about his family and their likes and dislikes.

“I know, but it’ll be my first time with your family, and I want to make a good impression.” Vince paused. “What was Fiona’s boyfriend’s name again?”

Shane chuckled as Matt rolled his eyes. “It’s Todd, and he’s her non-boyfriend. But I think Matt’s right. Just be yourself and you’ll be fine. They’ve put up with me for years, and next to me you’re a shining light.”

Mia looked up from her textbook. “Don’t be so hard on yourself, Shane.”

“I’m not. I’m just pointing out that if he’s concerned that outlandish behaviour is going to alienate Matt’s family, he’s got nothing to worry about.” Shane paused. “I’d probably advise against doing a striptease, though. It’ll be a public place and other patrons may object — or applaud too much.” Shane winked.

“I’m not going to do a striptease! I just want them to like me.”

Matt stood up. “That’s it. You need something to take your mind off tomorrow. I hadn’t intended to go out, but we’ve got an open invitation to a party, and I think it’ll do you good.”

Rhys stuck his head through the door. “Did I hear someone mention a party, and why wasn’t I invited?”

Shane looked askance at Matt. “Is it the party at Bendy’s place?”

“Yep, that’s the one.”

Rhys stepped in. “Sounds like a good idea. Vince needs to get out, but he should have some friends with him. I think I should go, too.” He rubbed his hands together. “Will there be lots of girls?”

Shane bit his lip to keep himself from laughing. He stared at Matt.

“Probably not,” Matt said nonchalantly. “There usually aren’t, but when there are, I know for a fact that the girls invited don’t have boyfriends.”

“Sounds perfect. When’s the party start?”

Matt glanced at his watch. “In about an hour.”

“I’m going to have a shower and get ready. I’ll see you soon.” Rhys headed off, whistling.

“Bendy? That name rings a bell.” Mark said.

Shane grinned. “He’s the one who rang me on Boxing Day about Jamie.”

Mark’s eyes opened wide. “Does that mean…?”

Shane started laughing. He tried to respond but couldn’t.

Matt grinned. “Yep. Brendan’s the head of the gay and lesbian group at the uni. Most of his parties are guys only, but we do get the occasional lesbian couple showing up.”

Mark was trying to stifle his chuckles. “You’re not really going to take Rhys, are you?”

Matt shrugged his shoulders. “Probably not, but I think we’ll wait until we’re ready to go before we give him the rest of the details. What do you think, Vince?”

Vince smiled. “It’s cruel, but I like it. We’ll tell him as we’re leaving.”

Mia frowned. “What sort of party is this going to be?”

Shane had calmed down enough to answer. “If you’re thinking it's going to be a sex party, don’t worry. It’ll just be a bunch of gay guys letting their hair down and being themselves. I’ve been to enough of them to know. There’s some picking up going on, but it’s a lot tamer than the nursing parties I’ve been to.” He paused to think. “Maybe I’ll go, too. It’s been a while since I’ve caught up with some of the guys.”

Mia glanced at Mark and raised an eyebrow.

“Not me! I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’d be comfortable at that sort of party. If you want to go, then sure, but I’m going to pass.”

“Don’t worry, Mia. Vince will be fine and I think it’ll be good for him to mix with the guys from the uni group. He’s been studying too hard to make any of the meetings so far — at least that’s his excuse.” Matt grinned at Vince.

“Okay, the real reason has been because I didn’t want to be seen going there. I’m getting over that — just give me some time.” Vince leant over to give Matt a kiss. “I’ll go to the next one. In the meantime, I should be getting ready.”

“Don’t make too much of an effort. They tend to be really casual. I’m going the way I am.”

“Speak for yourself, Mattie! I’m going back to the room to get spruced up. I’ll probably be late, so I’ll meet you there.” Shane grinned at Vince. “Don’t worry — you’ll have a great time.”

* * *

“I still can’t believe you decided to come,” Vince said as they got out of Matt’s car.

Rhys shrugged. “It wasn’t that hard a choice. If I don’t like it, I can always leave. You told me Shane is going to be here, so I won’t be the only straight guy. Also, my dad’s been at me about too much partying and not enough education. Now, I’ll be able to tell him I’ve been to an educational party!”

Matt chuckled. “I don’t know how educational it’ll be, but you should have fun. Let me know if you get harassed. Some of the guys will think that since you’re by yourself, you must be available.”

Rhys was nervous, but was trying not to show it. It had been mainly bravado when he’d said he would still go, after learning that it was going to be a gay party. There was still a residual of guilt for comments he had made over time, before he’d actually played a part in Vince’s coming out, and he wanted to prove to himself that he no longer had a problem with gay guys. Matt’s comments about being hit on worried him, but he trusted Matt. If it was inappropriate for him to be there, Rhys was sure Matt would have said so.

They were greeted as soon as they stepped into the apartment. “Matt!” The dark haired guy grabbed Matt in a bear hug. He looked over Matt’s shoulder at Vince and Rhys. “I take it one of you must be Vince.”

Matt stepped back and possessively put an arm around Vince. “Brendan, I’d like you to meet Vince. Vince, this is my good friend, Brendan.”

Brendan stuck out his hand. “I’m pleased to finally meet you, Vince. Matt’s been telling me lots of lies about you. We need to have a long chat at some stage so I can find out the truth.” Brendan winked.

“G’day. I hope to be around more in the future, but this is all still new to me.”

Brendan smiled, lighting up his whole face. “I understand. There are a couple of other new guys coming tonight. For one of them, apart from when he met me, this will be the first time he’s come face to face with anyone he knows is also gay.”

“And this is Rhys, a good friend of ours,” Matt said.

“G’day, Rhys. I think I’ve seen you around the uni. Welcome to our humble den of iniquity.”

Rhys surreptitiously wiped the sweat from his hand and stepped forward. “G’day. Shane told me your name was Bendy, not Brendan.”

Brendan grinned as he shook hands. “Shane is able to get away with a lot of things. I don’t accept that nickname from most people, so be careful.” He leant forward. “My boyfriend gets jealous of other people using it,” he whispered.

Rhys nodded nervously. “Okay, I’ll remember that.”

“Come on in and make yourselves at home.” Brendan looked at Matt. “We don’t have any seventeen-year-olds coming tonight, so there’s no need to keep an eye on the bar. Just go and relax.”

Once they were out of the entrance and into the main room, Rhys turned to Matt. “What was that about the bar?”

“While most people can get away with it, we’ve always been careful to make sure we don’t give underage students alcohol. It just takes one neighbour to complain, and if the police show up and find underage drinking, they’re just as likely to throw the book at us. They might turn a blind eye, like they usually do for other groups, but we can’t take that chance, so we have a couple of people watching the bar at each party.”

Rhys rolled his eyes. “I’ll try again. Where… is… the… bar?”

Matt laughed. “Come along. I’ll show you.”

Over the next thirty minutes Rhys relaxed, with the assistance of a couple of schooners of beer. He and his friends had been among the early guests, and more were still trickling in. Rhys had heard Brendan’s boyfriend, Wayne, tell Matt that they were expecting around twenty people, but there were less than half of that number when Rhys saw a couple of familiar faces.

“Jamie, Alex! I didn’t expect to see you.”

Jamie’s mouth dropped open but he recovered quickly. “The same goes here. What’s up, Rhys? Have you left the dark side and come over to the light?”

“Nah. I’m just here as support for Vince — not that he needs it. Matt’s been introducing him to everyone and he seems to be fitting in.” Rhys looked at Alex. “What brings you to Dubbo? I thought you worked on Saturday mornings.”

Alex smiled. “I’ve got the weekend off and I decided to get out of town. There’s some news I need to pass on to Vince, but it’s not urgent and it can wait until tomorrow.”

“What sort of news? You can’t say something like that and leave me hanging.”

Alex looked around to see if anyone else was within earshot before answering. “People are being told that I’m the new Heart. Vince’s mum was there when it started and told my dad afterwards that I’m not, but I want to sit down with Vince and work out what to do. I’m tempted to just say nothing — neither confirm nor deny it — which will give Vince some time, but he’s got a say in what I do.”

“How the hell did they get that idea?”

“Someone said they knew that the new Heart is a gay guy. There’s a gay guy who’s started a relationship with someone from out of town…” he grinned at Jamie “… and they put one and one together and came up with three.”

Rhys’s chat with Jamie and Alex was interrupted by a commotion.

“You can start the party now — I’m here!” a high voice declared.

Rhys noticed that over half the crowd grinned, including himself. Shane had really made an entrance.

“Lots of people seem to know Shane,” Rhys said to Jamie.

“Shane is a fixture at most of these parties. He’s very popular, and he’s been propositioned a few times. He’s never accepted, though he’s always let the guys down nicely. I didn’t know why until I was in Mourton and found out he’s straight. He’s never mentioned that at any of the parties I’ve been to.”

Alex raised an eyebrow. “Did you ever proposition him?”

Jamie shook his head. “I wasn’t interested in a relationship, and it was pretty clear to me that that was all Shane wanted.”

Alex frowned. “Does that mean you’ve had one night stands?”

Jamie stared back and then sighed. “I won’t lie to you if you ask me for details, but there’s only one guy I want now and, hopefully, forevermore. Is that enough?”

Rhys slipped away. He felt that the conversation had turned private. He didn’t catch Alex’s reply to Jamie, but he saw the smiles and the embrace that followed.

About an hour later, the room was getting crowded. More people had trickled in after Shane had arrived, but the rate was slowing down. Rhys was engaged in a discussion on the joys of biking on forest trails, with a couple of guys named Geoff and Andrew. They told him about some of the trails nearby, and they suggested he join them the next time they headed out.

Rhys was about to respond when he felt a hand caress his bum. He jumped and spun around.

“G’day, Rhys. This is a pleasant surprise. I’ve been watching you in class, but I never thought I’d find you here.” The lanky blonde leered and reached forward to stroke Rhys’s arm. He held a half-empty bottle of Jack Daniel’s in the other hand and was unsteady on his feet.

Rhys shuddered and backed away. “I’m sorry, who are you?”

“I’m Cameron – we’re taking a lot of the same units. You have no idea how much I’ve hoped to get a chance to know you.”

Rhys leant away from the alcoholic stench. He had had a few drinks himself, but he was sobering up fast.

“Rhysie-rider! Trust you to find the other bikies in this group. How’s things?”

Rhys had never been so glad to see Shane. “Shane! How are you? Geoff and Andrew were just inviting me to go riding with them in a few weeks.”

“I’d go riding with you anytime,” Cameron said, while reaching over and trying to put an arm across Rhys’s shoulders.

Rhys squirmed away, but the crowd left him little space. Geoff and Andrew opened up a gap, which Rhys slipped into. Cameron would have to step between them to reach Rhys.

“Hi. It’s Cameron, isn’t it? I think I’ve seen you around.” Shane flung out a hand.

Cameron took his attention from Rhys only for a moment. “Yeah, that’s right.” Cameron took a swig from his bottle.

“You’re wasting your time with Rhys — he’s taken.”

“I am?” Rhys was surprised. “I mean, yeah, I am.”

Cameron licked his lips and grinned. “I don’t mind a threesome. Who is he?”

Shane frowned. “I don’t think you’re getting the picture.” He glanced around quickly and beckoned to someone he spotted in the distance. “You’re not Rhys’s type.”

Cameron glared at Shane. “Butt out, fool. You’re not taking him — I want him.”

“You can’t have him. Can’t you see he’s not interested?”

Cameron pushed Shane away. Shane bounced off the group behind him and staggered before regaining his balance.

“Don’t worry, we’re here,” Geoff muttered to Rhys.

Cameron took a step forward. “Tell me why I’m not your type, Rhys. I’m good looking, aren’t I?”

“I’m not gay,” Rhys blurted.

Cameron fell silent. A look of anger appeared. “You’re straight? A fucking breeder? What the fuck do you think you’re doing here? This party’s for gays only!”

“No, it’s not,” Brendan said. “It’s for whoever we invite.” Wayne stepped up next to his boyfriend and nodded to indicate his agreement.

Cameron snarled. “You told me it was for gay guys. I thought I’d have a chance at scoring. Why the hell are there fucking straights here?”

“That’s enough. Get out. If you can’t be civil, you’re not wanted.” Brendan pointed to the door.

“As if I’d stay.” Cameron spat at Rhys, “To think I wasted time on you. Fucking breeder!” Cameron staggered out.

Rhys stood there, stunned. He was aware of a gap opening up around him, but he was having trouble moving.

“You okay?” Vince asked. Rhys didn’t know where he’d come from.

“Maybe it’s time to go,” Rhys muttered.

“Nonsense. Don’t let one jerk ruin things.” Shane clapped his hands. “Attention, everyone. I need everyone’s attention.”

Shane smiled as he looked around the room. “Now that Rhys’s little secret is out, are we going to let it bother us? So what that he’s straight? Is that a reason not to have him here?”

“I thought it was supposed to be gay guys. A place to relax!”

Shane peered into the crowd but couldn’t see who’d made the comment. “And you’re not relaxed? Haven’t you been drinking enough? That’s easily fixed — Bendy’s got lots of booze.”

A chuckle ran around the room.

Matt stepped forward. “Rhys is a good friend who just happens to be straight. He came here, knowing the place would be filled with gay guys, because his best friend, my boyfriend, was coming here for the first time. I really appreciate that, and I’m happy for him to be here.”

“While we don’t usually encourage it, straight friends have always been welcome at our parties,” Brendan said. He glanced around the room. “If anyone has a problem with that, why don’t you come and see me? In the meantime, I think someone said they needed to be more relaxed. Wayne’s bringing in another keg of beer.”

Several guys cheered. A general buzz returned to the room as the party resumed.

“I said this was going to be an educational party, but I didn’t realise how educational it was going to be,” Rhys said. He nodded as Vince handed him another beer. “Thanks, mate.”

“What do you mean?” Matt asked. He slipped an arm around Vince.

“I’m guessing that I just got a small taste of what you guys get from time to time. Am I right?”

“Just a small taste, Rhysie-rider. Things can be a lot worse than that.” Shane was sombre, and the dramatic contrast with his usually bright personality wasn’t lost on Rhys.

“My dad said less with his words and more with his fists,” Jamie said. “I think that’s tougher. Words can get you down, but being hit brings you down a lot faster.”

“Shane got it worse than I ever did,” Matt said. He put his free hand on Shane’s shoulder. “Things are better now, though, aren’t they, Shane?”

Shane pulled out a handkerchief and blew his nose. “They are.” He smiled. “A lot better, thanks to you guys. Especially you, Vince.”

“Me?” Vince stared. “What did I do?”

“If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have met Mia or Karen. Two very special people.”

“Who are Mia and Karen?” Brendan asked.

“Friends of ours. Shane became part of our group really fast.” Vince said.

Rhys rolled his eyes. “Apart from Mark. He got really jealous when Mia started going out with Shane.”

Wayne grinned. “Way to go, Shane! You didn’t tell us you had a girlfriend.”

Shane looked away nonchalantly. “Mia’s not my girlfriend.”

Vince laughed. “No, Karen is.”

Shane shrugged. “That’s not really the case. We’re still exploring that — it’s difficult, since she’s going to be in Sydney for years to come.”

Rhys could see that Brendan and Wayne were puzzled. “Karen’s a friend of ours who has just started a medical degree in Sydney. They ring each other most nights, but they’ll only get to see each other during semester breaks.”

Wayne nodded. “Long distance relationships can be tough, but I hope it works out. Good luck, Shane.”

“Same from me,” Brendan said. He cocked his head as he glanced around the group. “I’ve just realised something. Matt goes to Mourton and comes back with a boyfriend. Jamie goes to Mourton and comes back with a boyfriend. Shane goes to Mourton and comes back with a girlfriend. Do you guys have an aphrodisiac in the water supply?”

Rhys and Vince exchanged grins. “Something like that,” Rhys said, thinking of The Tree.

Matt wasn’t smiling. “You’re forgetting Gary. He went there and didn’t come back.”

“Is that still bothering you?” Shane asked. Vince also looked concerned.

Matt nodded. “I know it’s not really my fault, but I can’t forget that last conversation I had with him.”

Vince pulled Matt around and gave him a hug while whispering something in his ear. The two then headed to a quieter corner.

Brendan and Wayne started to interrogate Shane about Karen, and about Mourton in general. Jamie and Alex joined in to help Shane answer the questions. Rhys noticed that he had finished the beer that Vince had given him, though he couldn’t remember drinking it. He glanced nervously at the crowd between him and the bar, and was trying to decide if it was safe to head off by himself when Geoff and Andrew approached. Rhys tensed up.

Andrew smiled and pointed at the empty glass. “You want another one? I’ll get it — I need to get a refill, anyway.”

“Yeah, thanks.” Rhys relaxed as he sensed no antagonism from the two guys. He handed his glass over.

“Are you still interested in going for a ride next month?” Geoff asked as Andrew left. “There’s this great track we know of that we think you’ll love.”

Rhys grinned as he realised that the two guys still wanted to go riding with him. “Definitely.”

* * *

“Do I look okay?” Vince asked as he and Matt paused outside the restaurant.

Matt rolled his eyes while grinning. “You look fine. Will you just settle down? It’s only lunch.”

“With your family.”

“So? They’ll love you. Just be yourself and you’ll be fine.”

Vince was still worried. He knew that Matt was right but he couldn’t help being concerned. Vince was sure of Matt’s love, but he wanted Matt’s family’s approval, too.

Once they were inside the restaurant, Matt looked around and then led them to a table along the right-hand side wall where a couple in their forties were sitting with a teenaged girl. Matt’s parents were dressed casually — Matt’s dad was wearing clothes very similar to those that Vince’s dad would wear when going out for lunch — while the girl was wearing a brand label top and jeans.

“Mum, Dad, Fee, I’d like you to meet Vince.” Matt’s grin showed how proud he was.

Vince tried to force a smile. “Hi.”

Trevor Sterling rose to his feet and extended a hand. “Glad to meet you, Vince. Have a seat.”

“Thanks, Mr. Sterling. It’s good to meet you, too.”

“Please, call me Trevor.”

“Okay.” Vince couldn’t bring himself to call Matt’s dad by his first name — not the first time he had met him. It felt too odd.

“It’s a pity Shane couldn’t come. It seems so much has happened over the last couple of months and there’s lots to catch up on,” Glenda Sterling said.

“I think he did it deliberately, Mum,” Fiona said. “He knows I want to hear all about his girlfriend.” Fiona grinned at Vince. “But he told me that she’s a friend of Vince’s, so we can get some of the details from him. What’s she like, Vince?”

“Let the boy settle down first, Fee. He’s only just arrived!” Trevor rolled his eyes and looked over at Vince. “All these two have been talking about recently is who’s with who, rather than important stuff like what’s happening on the farm. Sometimes I think Matt’s the smartest one of all of us — he’s not interested in going out with a girl.”

“I think you’ve just proved he’s the smartest male in the family, dear.” Glenda gave her husband a sugary smile.

“That’s your fault. My looks and your brains — the perfect combination.” Trevor winked at his wife.

Vince slowly relaxed. He had to answer Fiona and Glenda’s questions about Karen, but they weren’t probing and were interspersed with general chatter and playful banter. Vince was able to stay quiet and just listen, most of the time. The only time he became animated was when he and Trevor started to discuss cattle breeding, and about their respective properties.

The coffees had just been served when Matt looked at Vince. “I know we’re supposed to go to your parents’ place next weekend to help out, but how about we go to our farm instead, so you can see what it’s like? We can do the following two weekends in Mourton.”

Vince smiled. “Sounds good, but we should check with the others first, and confirm their availability. They may already have plans.”

“I think it’s a great idea. You and Matt can baby sit Fee.”

“DAD! I don’t need a babysitter. I’m almost eighteen!”

Trevor raised an eyebrow at his daughter. “Does this mean that young Todd isn’t going to be there while your mum and I are away?”

Fiona blushed and dropped her gaze to the table. “He was going to drop in for a while.” She looked up and glared at her dad. “There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“Of course not, but I was thinking that if you wanted male company, Matt and Vince could help out. That would give you three husky guys to boss around.”

“That’s enough, Trevor. Just because my dad had us chaperoned so many times, it doesn’t mean you need to do the same to Fiona. Let her have her weekend alone.”

Trevor gazed innocently back at his wife. “I thought we had just established the fact that she won’t be alone. And being chaperoned didn’t hurt us.”

“No, but that’s because my brother let us slip away within five minutes of us leaving the house. There’s no need to waste Matt and Vince’s time by having them watch Fiona. We know she can be trusted — so let’s trust her!”

Trevor pursed his lips. “And the house insurance is paid up, so I suppose it’s okay.”

Matt grinned when Fiona rolled her eyes. He winked at her. “Where are you going, Dad?”

Trevor shrugged. “Your mother has decided our wine cellar is too thin. She’s told me she wants to visit the Mourton Wineries.”

“Me? You were the one who was complaining about a lack of wine. Anyway, a weekend away will be good for you.”

Trevor gave Matt a pleading look. “You know how much I hate shopping. You said you’re going to be in Mourton next weekend. Can you find me somewhere to hide? A nice cattle farm, maybe?”

Matt snickered. “I’ll see what I can do, Dad.” He turned to Vince. “What do you think? Will your parents rescind my welcome if I let them met my folks?”

Vince gulped. He hadn’t thought that far ahead. “I’d have to ask, but I’m sure Mum and Dad would love to have them visit. They could probably stay at our place, too, but I’d have to ask first.”

Glenda waved a hand to dismiss the suggestion. “We’ve already got a room at The Cricketer’s Arms. Matt recommended the place to us.”

Vince snapped his head around to stare at his boyfriend. “You didn’t say anything about this!”

Matt shrugged. “They didn’t tell me what they had planned. They asked me about where I stayed when I was in town, and what it was like, that’s all.” He narrowed his eyes at his parents. “You must have been pretty confident if you organised this before you’d even met Vince.”

Glenda and Trevor exchanged grins.

“We know you’re happy — we’ve heard it in your voice every time you’ve rung home. We’ve also heard from Shane what Vince is like, and about this Heart of The Tree business. I did some ringing around and found a couple of my friends who know about The Tree. I think your dad and I should see The Tree for ourselves. Things are moving faster than we’d have liked, but we trust you. If you think Vince is the one for you, then that’s enough for us.” Glenda smiled at Vince. “Welcome to the family, Vince.”

Trevor leant forward towards Vince. “If you want to run, you’d better do it now. I’ll hold them back while you make a getaway.” He paused. “Last chance!”

While Vince sat there confused, Fiona moved around and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I still hate you, though.”

“What?”

She smirked. “Because you don’t have a younger, straight brother.”

Matt raised his eyebrows. “What about Todd?”

Fiona grinned. “Competition is always healthy. I think he’s been taking me too much for granted recently.”

Trevor rolled his eyes. “Todd might still have a chance, but I think it’s too late for you, Vince. Welcome to the chaos of the Sterling family.”

NEXT CHAPTER